While Texas, Ohio State and USC have traditionally added large numbers of recruits as early as nine to 12 months before National Signing Day, the SEC powers typically have about half as many because they're cutting each other to pieces trying to land the region's top kids. While Texas might have 15 kids on board, Alabama may only have just five or six by summer.

This year though, LSU is doing things its own way. On Tuesday night, it added its eighth recruit for the class of 2014. The Tigers added Sharieff Rhaheed-Muhammed, a linebacker out of Fort Pierce (Fla.) who reported scholarship offers from Louisville, Ole Miss, N.C. State, Penn State and Tennessee. None of Florida's "big three" of Florida State, Miami or Florida has extended an offer to the 6-foot-4, 215-pound outside linebacker.

The Tigers now boast the second-largest class in the BCS, tied with Texas with eight recruits before March is complete. Texas A&M has 10 recruits. It's just another example of how programs are aiming to land kids as early as possible. But some, like Alabama with three commitments, are still evaluating and haven't stockpiled recruits just yet.

"I think the class is shaping up to be a great one," four-star LSU recruit Will Clapp told Sporting News on Tuesday. "So far I think we have great talented athletes and many more to come."

Not only is LSU's class big, it's loaded with quality talent, not surprisingly. The gem of the group is DB Edward Paris, one of three Texas natives the Tigers have added to the class. Also, highly regarded yet uncommitted DB Tony Brown out of Beaumont (Texas) is considered an LSU lean.